Sneezing? Watery eyes? Headaches? Allergy season has arrived

Published: Friday, September 20, 2013 at 08:23 PM.

The sneezing, the watery eyes, the sinus pressure — for many, it doesn’t take a doctor to tell them that right now is the worst time of the year for allergy sufferers.

But Dr. Barbara Goheen, a Kinston otolaryngologist — or ear, nose and throat physician — says that as summer turns to fall, a number of traditional allergens cause this to be a peak time of the year.

“We’re seeing a lot of people right now that are having more problems,” Goheen said. “And, the biggest thing right now is ragweed. You know, when you drive along the road and you see those ferny, yellow flowers that are all over? That’s ragweed. So, that’s everywhere. And then, we have a lot of mold right now, because of the heat of the summer.

“For whatever reason, as the season changes, mold really kicks up.”

She says that grasses, which are a top allergen in the summer, are also strong at this time of the year.

“Weather plays a big role in the severity of allergy season,” said the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in its annual fall allergy fact sheet. “Higher-than-average temperatures in the fall can produce more pollen, which is distributed over wider areas by strong winds. Mold caused by flooding or storms is also attributing to outdoor allergens.”

Nurse Lynn Blizzard said that as farmers harvest their crops, dust and mold kicked up into the air can exacerbate allergy symptoms as well.

The sneezing, the watery eyes, the sinus pressure — for many, it doesn’t take a doctor to tell them that right now is the worst time of the year for allergy sufferers.

But Dr. Barbara Goheen, a Kinston otolaryngologist — or ear, nose and throat physician — says that as summer turns to fall, a number of traditional allergens cause this to be a peak time of the year.

“We’re seeing a lot of people right now that are having more problems,” Goheen said. “And, the biggest thing right now is ragweed. You know, when you drive along the road and you see those ferny, yellow flowers that are all over? That’s ragweed. So, that’s everywhere. And then, we have a lot of mold right now, because of the heat of the summer.

“For whatever reason, as the season changes, mold really kicks up.”

She says that grasses, which are a top allergen in the summer, are also strong at this time of the year.

“Weather plays a big role in the severity of allergy season,” said the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in its annual fall allergy fact sheet. “Higher-than-average temperatures in the fall can produce more pollen, which is distributed over wider areas by strong winds. Mold caused by flooding or storms is also attributing to outdoor allergens.”

Nurse Lynn Blizzard said that as farmers harvest their crops, dust and mold kicked up into the air can exacerbate allergy symptoms as well.

There are a number of ways a person can reduce their susceptibility. Indoors, air conditioning or a dehumidifier can help reduce the possibility of mold. Outside, if symptoms are particularly a problem, a face mask could help. And, as usual, there are solutions at the pharmacy.

“The main thing for people to do is use things like nasal saline, which is Ocean Nasal Spray — you can buy it over-the-counter — take Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, those sorts of things,” Goheen said. “If that’s not working, one thing that’s really helpful is to know what you’re allergic to and avoid it.”

Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.